[dr_jeff]

I've tried searching the forum and I'm not finding the answer I'm looking for. Not sure if I just suck at this internet thing or if I'm just too lazy.


Anyway, I have the Energy take 5.1 classic speakers driven by a HK AVR 154. Room size 14x14, 90% home theater use with 100" diag. screen.


I am happy with the setup, but I think I have a case of upgrade-itis with a budget of around $300. I was initially thinking of upgrading my center speaker to something like the C-C100. But then got to thinking maybe I should upgrade my receiver or sub instead.


1. Would the C100 offer a noticeable improvement over the center from the take?


2. Will the c100 match up well if I keep the rest of my speakers as-is?


3. Are there any receivers or subs in the $300 price range that would be a noticeable improvement over the AVR154?


4. Any other suggestions?


Thanks.

 

[AvGeek07]

Probably won't hear much of different.

But,you can ask the store if you can bring them home to demo them for couple days.

 

[psgcdn]

I'd buy a second sub, one that goes down to 25 Hz or better, and possibly keep the existing sub (rated to 33 Hz) as a mid-bass module using the speaker-level connection to the sub. The receiver would see the sub-sat combo as small speakers and you could cross it over at 80 Hz on the receiver. This would remove a lot of strain on the Energy sub, and you would get truer LFE from a better sub.


If you could swing an eD A2-300 subwoofer for $350, I'd bet that would change your system considerably.


There is no gain to be had from changing the receiver, and perhaps some gain to be made from changing out the center. But it's risky that it's sound wouldn't match and that you wouldn't like the result. The sub is the best bang for your buck, and you can keep using it should you ever decide to upgrade the speaker set.

 

[CalgaryCowboy]

I don't think you will hear a difference in AVR at that price, maybe new features. I would shop around for center and move the one you have back into a 6.1 system. This way you improve your center and get an extra suround speaker.

 

[psgcdn]

I'd be tempted to try something like:


Acoustic Audio HD-SUB15 15" Subwoofer (1000 Watt) for $269.
http://www.thedeepdiscount.com/p-479...-watt-sub.aspx


There's also a 12" model if 15" is too big.

 

[CalgaryCowboy]



Quote:
Originally Posted by psgcdn /forum/post/16886896


I'd be tempted to try something like:


Acoustic Audio HD-SUB15 15" Subwoofer (1000 Watt) for $269.
http://www.thedeepdiscount.com/p-479...-watt-sub.aspx


There's also a 12" model if 15" is too big.

I have a question. This is large very powerful amp. In a calibrated refernece set up wouldn't it under used when compared to the other components unless turned up over reference. I am asking because I am thinking over also upgrading my sub (Velo DSP 12 200watt) but under calibration I get -6db sent at sub volume of 45 out of 10 which gives me lots of head room to turn it up?

 

[psgcdn]

Depends. If it digs deeper, then you will hear stuff you didn't hear before, and shake the room in ways you didn't before (hence the extra power). Also, the volume dial position is just gain, but doesn't really tell you how far away you are from maxing out the excursion of the sub. It could hit maximum way before 10 on the volume dial.


But if two subs have the same frequency response, then it's true that if you are staying within the capabilities of the first, there's no real output gain to be had from switching to the other.

 

[psgcdn]

Afterthought...


I'm actually in a similar situation. Several years ago (7?), I bought a Hsu STF-3 that goes down to 25 Hz. I watch movies at 10 to 15 dB below reference so that sub has never bottomed out in my room, and I don't really use it for music (where perhaps drums could be louder and more demanding) except when I go through the trouble of going to the menus and setting it up for a 40 Hz crossover. So my incentive for getting a new sub is small. 25 Hz was very good at the time for an $800 Canadian sub, but I could dig deeper now. But... that might limit my movie watching when the kids are in bed because the house would shake even more. You can't really contain 18 Hz. So I might just wait another 8 years or so for the kids to be older. They will be watching the movie with us at that point, or be out with friends.